Australian public service pay rises

Wages growth in the federal public service in Australia outstripped pay rises generally in the private sector according to a new report.

Research by the Public Service Commission shows median wages grew 5.8% last year.

The ABC reports the increase is nearly double the federal government's wages growth target of 3%.

Wages for non executive staff grew by 5.9% last year compared to 4.7% for senior executives.

The commission said the rapid wages growth was fuelled by a lower recruitment rate, with fewer low-paid positions being filled and more pay rises due to increments within enterprise bargaining agreements.